Oldies but goodies

Classic Notes

Posted: Sunday, June 17, 2001

Contrary to conventional wisdom, American workers over the age of 55 aren't a bunch of codgers set in their old-fashioned ways, a survey by Randstad, N.A., a Dutch-owned employment staffing company shows.

These so-called ''matures'' -- workers between the ages of 55 and 69 -- tend to embrace change, the study said. In fact, 81 percent said they are interested in trying new things on the job. Another 44 percent said they're willing to seek extra training or education to contribute more to their companies.

The study also found that this experienced set gets tremendous satisfaction from knowing their employer values the work they do.

Given the survey results, Randstad said whippersnapper managers may just find these vintage employees to be an answer for staffing shortages.

No room for softies

The softening economy has done little to dent housing prices in some parts of the country, according to Worth's annual ranking of America's 250 richest towns.

As the magazine points out, towns that are last to be hit by a downturn are ''generally the ones highest on our list.''

Tops in the compilation is Jupiter Island, Fla., where the median cost of a home is a cool $3.9 million. Mount Kisco, N.Y., a New York suburb, was No. 250 at $458,500.

If you're changing planes at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and are obsessed with nutrition, don't land with an appetite or without an antacid.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine study said just 33 percent of the airport's eateries offered at least one low-fat, high-fiber, cholesterol-free entree.

The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit health organization said San Francisco's airport fared the best, followed by Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago-O'Hare, Denver and Los Angeles. Joining Detroit in the bottom five were Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas and Atlanta.

This article published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, June 17, 2001.